Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Israel’s recent targeted strikes in Doha, saying the operation was comparable to the United States’ actions against Al Qaeda after the 9/11 terror attacks. He warned Qatar and other nations sheltering Hamas leaders to expel them or “bring them to justice.”
“Because if you don’t, we will,” Netanyahu said in a video message as global criticism mounted over the Israeli strike.
Netanyahu Compares Hamas to Al Qaeda
Netanyahu described Hamas’ October 7 attack as Israel’s “9/11 moment” and accused Qatar of offering safe haven to its leadership.
I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will pic.twitter.com/nlYa7r1OPi
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 10, 2025
“We did exactly what America did when it went after Al Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan, and when they killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. Now the various countries of the world condemn Israel – they should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.
“What did they do after America took out Osama Bin Laden? Did they say, ‘Oh, what a terrible thing was done to Pakistan’? No, they applauded. They should applaud Israel for standing for these same principles and carrying them out.”
On Tuesday, Israeli forces launched a surprise strike on Hamas’ political headquarters in Qatar. The attack killed a Qatari security agent and five others but missed the targeted Hamas leaders.
Qatar Condemns Attack, Warns of Truce Setback
Qatar condemned Netanyahu’s comments as “reckless” and rejected his claims. The country’s foreign ministry said hosting Hamas’ political office was part of mediation efforts requested by both the United States and Israel.
“Netanyahu is fully aware that the hosting of the Hamas office took place within the framework of Qatar’s mediation efforts requested by the United States and Israel,” the statement read.
“The negotiations were always held in an official and transparent manner, with international support and in the presence of U.S. and Israeli delegations. Netanyahu’s insinuation that Qatar secretly harboured the Hamas delegation is a desperate attempt to justify a crime condemned by the entire world.”
The ministry further warned that Israel’s action in Doha could derail ongoing truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
“We will work with our partners to ensure Netanyahu is held accountable and that his reckless and irresponsible actions are brought to an end,” the statement concluded.
